"Every battle is won before it is ever fought," as famously proclaimed by the revered Chinese military strategist Sun Tzu more than two millennia ago in his fabled masterpiece "The Art of War."

While the world has undergone seismic changes in recent times, Beijing Guoan's Portuguese tactician Ricardo Soares remains unwavering in his ardent admiration for Sun, harnessing the maestro's sagacious aphorisms as a catalyst for his meticulous pre-game schemes.

"I had the privilege of reading 'The Art of War' during my time in Portugal, and it's fascinating to see the wisdom and insights of the Chinese people encapsulated within its pages," mused Soares, who took over the reins at Beijing this summer after Stanley Menzo was sent packing by the capital powerhouse.

"I have derived a wealth of valuable knowledge from this book," added the 48-year-old. 

Football revels in the exploration of progressive eras, overarching principles and underlying philosophies. What is truly exceptional about Soares' initial success at Beijing is its unassuming nature – forged through intricate nuances and incremental advancements – the profound perception of having, at last, a mature presence in the midst.

Aspirations soared this season following Beijing's long-awaited return to their newly refurbished home stadium, and keeping faith with Menzo, who excelled at nurturing young talent and instilling a strong work ethic last term, appeared to be a judicious decision.

Alas, Beijing's 2023 Chinese Super League (CSL) campaign was marked by a sluggish start, which swiftly gave way to a tumultuous period of poor performances throughout April and May. This downward spiral ultimately led to Menzo's dismissal in June, and the appointment of Soares.

Despite being comprehensively outplayed, outclassed and outmaneuvered by Shanghai Port in his first CSL game in charge, Soares bore scant responsibility for the predicament at hand. Entrusted with the arduous task of guiding a floundering ship, he found himself bereft of the opportunity to bolster the squad outside of the transfer window. With his hands tied, the Portuguese resorted to making the most of the existing resources at his disposal, endeavoring to extract the utmost potential from an underperforming ensemble.

True to form, Soares managed to ignite the team's momentum, securing pivotal victories over Chengdu Rongcheng, Henan FC and Shanghai Shenhua. His commendable efforts were duly rewarded when he clinched the CSL Coach of the Month award for August after an impressive record of four wins and one draw in five matches. Beijing's penalty shootout heartbreak against Shandong Taishan in the FA Cup quarterfinal was the sole blemish amidst an otherwise impeccable stretch.

As Beijing climbed up to fourth in the CSL table and basked in the rediscovered feel-good factor, Friday night's face-off against the formidable Zhejiang FC stood as a crucial litmus test. It would determine whether Soares' side possessed the necessary fortitude to salvage their season and secure a coveted top-three finish, thereby securing qualification for next season's Asian Champions League.

Stepping foot inside Workers' Stadium was to immerse oneself in a rare atmosphere of jubilation, as fervent Beijing supporters bore witness to their team's spirited display characterized by pace and urgency.

The transformation of the squad was palpable. Under Soares' tutelage during the initial three months on the training ground, the principles of unfaltering dedication and meticulous organization were preached. The fruits of their labor, though compressed within a tight timeframe, materialized in an indefatigable performance that skillfully stifled, disrupted and disconcerted the visiting side.

For those intimately acquainted with the club, the wholehearted embrace of Soares comes as no surprise. His bold approach to playing out from the back, coupled with his penchant for studiously choreographing stages of play, embodies a daring style characterized by calculated risks. He yearns to entice the opposition's press, lulling them into a false sense of security, only to swiftly outfox them and advance the ball into perilous territories, thus creating promising scoring opportunities.

Beijing's incisive attacks carved open Zhejiang's defense with such frequency that the outcome of the game could have been decided within a mere 10 minutes, were it not for a couple of offside calls that went against them. However, after failing to convert their chances, their fluid mechanisms began to falter, and, more worryingly, they appeared alarmingly susceptible to counter-attacks, with Li Tixiang proving to be a constant menace.

Zhejiang's breakthrough, though seemingly against the run of the play, derived from sources that were hardly unexpected. Li, with his extraordinary dynamism, surged through the heart of the pitch and astutely fed the ball to Yue Xin, who delivered an inch-perfect cross to pick out Brazilian striker Leonardo for the game's only goal.

Beijing carried a huge threat with their fluid, possession-based football, yet Soares' visible restlessness throughout much of the match spoke volumes. His team encountered considerable difficulty in dismantling the resilient defensive structure employed by Zhejiang, which boasted numerous standout performers, notably Leung Nok Hang and Wang Chang. 

As the match entered four minutes of stoppage time, the inevitable jitters crept in. However, the elusive goal that Beijing desperately sought to bail them out didn't arrive, leaving them without a lifeline.

There exists no urgency to proclaim Soares' nascent team as anywhere near the finished product – an assertion the Portuguese himself made emphatically in the aftermath of the narrow defeat. The development of the team will undoubtedly be an evolutionary journey, stamped by gradual progress. Beijing fans and players must release themselves from the weight of past accomplishments that has burdened the club, allowing for a fresh start and renewed focus on the path ahead.

Soares' credentials as a proponent of exhilarating, attacking football are well-established. However, he also possesses a pragmatic mindset, recognizing that Beijing cannot instantaneously transition from battling for a modest seventh place to contending for titles within 12 months.

"I must say, our performance today was truly outstanding," Soares told reporters. "We displayed an attacking style of football that I believe is befitting of our team. I'm incredibly proud of my players for their efforts... Though the outcome may not have been ideal, I firmly believe that we are heading in the right direction. Our league position is improving, the stadium is magnificent, the fans are incredible, and we have a talented squad." 

Optimism resonates amongst the faithful at the Workers' Stadium, but an essential virtue that must be espoused is patience. While the title favorites, Shanghai Port, exude an unstoppable force and second-placed Shandong can't stop scoring, it appears that Beijing lack the vigor to conclude their campaign with a flourish.

"I share a deep desire to contribute to Chinese football and I hold high expectations for both myself and my players, but there is still much room for improvement on our part," observed Soares. "Our work must be more outstanding, and our mastery of the rules must be more comprehensive. Losing is never something I enjoy, but I understand that there are no undefeated generals on the football pitch."

Even at the elite level, progress does not transpire instantaneously. Individuals require time to thrive within a dynamic work environment. Fortunately, in this regard, Soares is an exemplar; a man endowed with the precise ideologies required to assemble a potent collective.

"We need to display a more consistent performance, which relies on having a balanced team and a stable lineup," he said. "I will communicate with the club regarding the potential reinforcement of our squad with high-caliber players. Of course, I already have a lot of talented players who are fantastic and hardworking, but the CSL is a highly competitive league where survival necessitates the strength of a formidable team."

Once more, Soares artfully channelled the spirit of Sun Tzu, imparting his wisdom by declaring, "I must ensure that the players understand the purpose behind their battles, so that in every game, we approach it with a resolute determination to succeed.

"I'm coaching the best team in China, and my goal is to bring Beijing Guoan back to their rightful place."